The horrors of recent mass murders have, understandably, drawn the attention of the media and politicians. But it does not have to be an either/or.

There is a connection called compassion that should exist with all victims and survivors of gun violence, whether it tragically happened at an elementary school or during a neighborhood drive-by shooting.

Sadly, communities are ravaged daily by stories of gun violence and heartbreak. Stories that broke through the media like that of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teenager who was shot dead one week after performing at President Obama’s inauguration, made national news, but the story was too common for her neighbors and those who live in her city.

Every day, 268 people in America are killed or injured by guns. I believe African American communities bear much of that loss. But from experience, I can say thankfully that there are African American clergy on the frontlines comforting families and healing communities torn apart by violence.

Men and women of faith too often bury young adults who recently were baptized, prepared for college, or spoke to on Sunday morning only to receive a call on Sunday evening.

A revival of the movement that will bring in new faces and new voices to partner with those who have been long-time witnesses and advocates for reduction, prevention, ending gun violence has to take place now and has to end at the polls to change the story, change public policy and change the future for all American families.